DiFrancesco was quoted in a Sports Illustrated article last month about the new direction of nutrition management for sports trainers, as was Lakers head trainer Gary Vitti.

Schaefer was with Jackson for all 11 of his NBA championships, including the five with the Lakers. He was the director of athletic performance and player development last season and with the Lakers for 12 years.

Even as these NBA playoffs deliver thrilling finishes, the possible work stoppage next season is looming over the Lakers and changing lives.

Four key members of the Lakers' training staff were told Saturday their expiring contracts would not be renewed. The Lakers hope to limit expenses given the likelihood there are no games being played at the start of next season because of the expiring collective bargaining agreement between players and owners.

The trainers are: Chip Schaefer, director of athletic performance and player development; Alex McKechnie, athletic performance coordinator; Marko Yrjovuori, massage therapist; and Marco Nunez, assistant athletic trainer. The Lakers might rehire some of them if there is no work stoppage or when one ends, but they will be without benefits during that time unless they find new employment -- which could preclude their return to the Lakers.

Schaefer has been with the Lakers for 12 seasons and is the primary contact for players in rehabilitation and strength work. He was Phil Jackson's lead athletic trainer with the Chicago Bulls in 1990-98 for six NBA championships there. McKechnie is considered a rehab wizard with his innovative core-strengthening system. All four training-staff members will continue to work for the team through the end of this season.

Lakers lead athletic trainer Gary Vitti has one more season on his contract.